Originally Posted by: johns33031

Hi. I know the major scale in 5 positions, sometimes have to refresh by looking at a diagram ...but how do I learn to combine them in a given key and continue up the neck?

This collection of tutorials covers how to improvise. But it is essentially about what you are asking: how to combine scales & chords in a key to play melodically.

https://www.guitartricks.com/collection/learning-to-improvise

You might also find these tutorials on the various patterns of the major scale.

Major Scale Patterns 1

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=887

Major Scale Patterns 2

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2643

Hope that helps! Please ask more if necessary!